The NET rankings update through games of December 21 did not bring a reshuffling at the very top, but it did provide sharper clarity on how resumes are being evaluated as the nonconference portion of the season winds down. At this point, the NET is less reactive and more comparative, weighing full bodies of work rather than isolated moments.
Michigan stayed put. Duke actually moved up. Kansas stayed exactly where it was. And several teams learned that one good win or one tough loss does not automatically rewrite a résumé.
Michigan Remains No. 1, Resume Still Clean
Michigan Wolverines were No. 1 last week and remain No. 1 in this update. An 11-0 record paired with strong efficiency metrics continues to separate Michigan from the rest of the field. There are no résumé blemishes to speak of and no weak results dragging their profile down.
At this stage, Michigan is not being propped up by momentum or reputation. The NET simply sees the most complete resume in the country.
Arizona and Iowa State Stay Firm Near the Top
Arizona Wildcats hold steady at No. 2. Like Michigan, Arizona remains unbeaten, and their resume continues to age well thanks to quality opponents and consistent performances.
Iowa State Cyclones remain fourth after another week of doing exactly what the NET rewards. At 12-0, Iowa State has avoided bad losses entirely while stacking wins with solid efficiency margins. There is nothing flashy here, just a resume that keeps checking boxes.
Duke Moves Up to No. 3 Despite Loss to Texas Tech
One of the more interesting outcomes of this update involves Duke Blue Devils, who moved from No. 4 to No. 3 even after a loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
That result did not hurt Duke’s standing. In fact, the NET viewed it in context. Texas Tech is a strong resume team, and Duke’s overall body of work, efficiency profile, and schedule strength were enough to justify a slight upward adjustment. This is a reminder that not all losses are created equal, especially when they come against top-25 caliber opponents.
For Texas Tech, the win itself mattered. It reinforced their profile and helped solidify their position inside the top 25.
Kansas Holds at 16, Resume Unchanged
Kansas Jayhawks were No. 16 last week and remain No. 16 now. There is no movement here because the resume has not shifted meaningfully in either direction.
Kansas still owns quality wins, but the losses on their profile keep them from climbing. The NET sees the Jayhawks as a solid, but not elite, resume at this stage of the season.
Kentucky Inches Up After Beating St. John’s
Kentucky Wildcats entered last week at No. 23 and moved up one spot to No. 22 following their win over St. John's Red Storm.
The win helped, but only marginally. The NET continues to weigh Kentucky’s earlier losses and efficiency gaps, which explains why the bump was modest. The resume is improving, but it is not complete yet.
Stability Across the Rest of the Top 10
Purdue Boilermakers remain at No. 7, UConn Huskies stay No. 8, and BYU Cougars continue at No. 9. These teams did not move because their resumes did not need correcting. Consistency remains their biggest strength.
Top-25 Fringe: Little Margin for Error
Florida Gators sit at No. 21 and continue to hover just inside the safe zone, while Saint Louis Billikens slide to No. 25 after previously sitting higher. This range remains the most volatile portion of the rankings, where small resume changes can lead to noticeable movement.
What This NET Update Confirms
This update was about validation, not volatility. Michigan remains the standard. Duke’s resume is strong enough to rise even after a loss. Texas Tech banked a meaningful win. Kansas stayed exactly where its body of work places it. Kentucky improved slightly, but not enough to make a jump.
Conference play is coming, and when it arrives, these margins will disappear quickly.
Updated NET Top 25 (Through Dec. 21)
- Michigan
- Arizona
- Duke
- Iowa State
- Gonzaga
- Vanderbilt
- Purdue
- UConn
- BYU
- Michigan State
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Illinois
- Houston
- Louisville
- Kansas
- Utah State
- Alabama
- North Carolina
- Georgia
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Texas Tech
- Saint Mary’s
- Saint Louis
The rankings are steady, but the resume pressure is rising. The next few weeks will decide which of these teams are built to hold their ground.